System and method for manually overriding a solenoid valve of a faucet

ABSTRACT

A system for manually overriding a solenoid operated valve in an event of power failure is provided. The system includes a solenoid operated valve and a lifter. The solenoid operated valve includes a valve body including a sealing surface, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a sealing element selectively separating the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet and a solenoid configured to selectively couple and decouple the sealing element to the sealing surface. The lifter is threadedly coupled to the solenoid operated valve. Rotation of the lifter relative to the valve body in a first direction causes the lifter to decouple the sealing element from the sealing surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/692,912, filed Aug. 24, 2012, from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/692,959, filed Aug. 24, 2012, and from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/692,966, filed Aug. 24, 2012, allof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to the field of faucets. Morespecifically, the present application relates to systems and methods formanually overriding a solenoid operated valve of a faucet.

This section is intended to provide a background or context to theinvention recited in the claims. The description herein may includeconcepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that havebeen previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwiseindicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art tothe description and claims in this application and is not admitted to beprior art by inclusion in this section.

Some kitchen and bath faucets include a “touchless” control system.These touchless control systems may use magnetic, capacitive, or opticalsensors to detect an object, such as a user's hands, underneath thefaucet and, in response, to open or close a solenoid operated valve. Inthe event of a power failure, if the solenoid valve defaults to a closedposition, the faucet will be rendered inoperable until power is resumed.Some touchless control systems use battery power or a combination ofbattery and line power to avoid losing function in the event of a powerfailure. However, these systems have disadvantages such as the requisiteperiodic replacement of batteries and/or an increased cost associatedwith installing and maintaining a dual system.

A need exists for improved technology, including technology that mayaddress the above described disadvantages.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment relates to a system for manually overriding asolenoid operated valve in an event of power failure is provided. Thesystem includes a solenoid operated valve and a lifter. The solenoidoperated valve includes a valve body including a sealing surface, afluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a sealing element selectively separatingthe fluid inlet from the fluid outlet and a solenoid configured toselectively couple and decouple the sealing element to the sealingsurface. The lifter is threadedly coupled to the solenoid operatedvalve. Rotation of the lifter relative to the valve body in a firstdirection causes the lifter to decouple the sealing element from thesealing surface.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a lifter for manually overridinga solenoid operated valve in an event of power failure. The lifterincludes a tip, a handle, and threads. The tip is formed at one end ofthe lifter and is configured to engage with a sealing element of thesolenoid operated valve. The handle is formed at another end of thelifter, the handle configured to facilitate manual actuation of thelifter. The threads are provided to threadedly couple the lifter to thesolenoid operated valve.

Yet another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of manuallyoverriding a solenoid operated valve in an event of power failure. Thesolenoid operated valve includes a solenoid configured to selectivelycouple and decouple a sealing element to a sealing surface. The methodincludes inserting a lifter into a valve body. The valve body includesthe sealing surface, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and the fluidinlet and the fluid outlet are selectively separated by the sealingelement. The method also includes rotating the lifter relative to thevalve body in a first direction such that the lifter is threadedlycoupled to the solenoid operated valve. The method further includesadvancing the lifter, by threading, such that the lifter engages withthe sealing element, causing the sealing element to decouple from thesealing surface.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the presentdisclosure may be set forth from consideration of the following detaileddescription, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the present disclosure and the followingdetailed description are exemplary and intended to provide furtherexplanation without further limiting the scope of the present disclosureclaimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide furtherunderstanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the presentdisclosure, and together with the detailed description serve to explainthe principles of the present disclosure. No attempt is made to showstructural details of the present disclosure in more detail than may benecessary for a fundamental understanding of the present disclosure andthe various ways in which it may be practiced.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a faucet, shown according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a right, cross-sectional view of the faucet of FIG. 1 throughthe line A-A.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of the solid-circled area of thefaucet of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a sensor, a sensor holder, and a wirecover disposed within the faucet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a right elevation view of the sensor and the sensor holder ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the sensor and the sensor holder of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a spray insert of the faucet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the spray insert of FIG. 7,including a protrusion on a tab of the spray insert shown according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a system for detecting and communicating aposition of a manual valve of the faucet of FIG. 1, shown according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front, cross-sectional elevation view of the system of FIG.9.

FIG. 11 is a front, cross-sectional elevation view of the system of FIG.9, shown according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a right, cross-sectional, elevation view of the system ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a manual valve and a ring of the systemof FIG. 9 with a closed valve channel, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a manual valve and a ring of the systemof FIG. 9 with an open valve channel, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective, cross sectional view of the manual valve ofFIG. 13 with a closed valve channel, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 16 is a side, cross sectional view of the manual valve of FIG. 13with a closed valve channel, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the manual valve ofFIG. 14 with an open valve channel, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 18 is a side, cross-sectional view of the manual valve of FIG. 14with an open valve channel, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view an electronic valve of thefaucet of FIG. 1 and a lifter for manually overriding the electronicvalve, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a left elevation view of the electronic valve of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a front, cross-sectional view elevation of the electronicvalve through a line B-B of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a left, cross-sectional view of the electronic valve througha line C-C of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic valve of thefaucet of FIG. 1 and a lifter for manually overriding the electronicvalve, shown according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a left elevation view of the solenoid operated valve of FIG.23.

FIG. 25 is a front, cross-sectional elevation view of the electronicvalve through a line D-D of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the lifter of FIG. 19.

FIG. 27 is a front elevation view of the lifter of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a front, cross-sectional elevation view of the electronicvalve of FIG. 23 in a closed position during normal operation, shownaccording to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a front, cross-sectional elevation view of the electronicvalve of FIG. 23 in an open position during normal operation, shownaccording to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a front, cross-sectional elevation view of the electronicvalve of FIG. 23 in an open position during override operation, shownaccording to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram of the processing electronics of the faucetof FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 32A-E illustrate a flowchart of a process of controlling a faucet,shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understoodthat the terminology is for the purpose of description only and shouldnot be regarded as limiting. An effort has been made to use the same orlike reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same orlike parts.

Referring generally to the figures, an exemplary embodiment may relateto a faucet including a sensor disposed within a faucet spout. Thesensor, along with an electronic valve will allow the user to pause aflow of water from the faucet spout by engaging the sensor's field ofdetection. Flow will resume when the sensor's field of detection isengaged a second time. This configuration provides the user with aconvenient, easy to use, touchless method of controlling the water flow.Moving the sensor internal to the spout provides a cleaner andaesthetically pleasing faucet profile; however, this configurationpresents the added challenge of securing the sensor in the spout.

Referring generally to the figures, an exemplary embodiment may relateto a system for detecting and communicating a position of a mechanicalvalve in a faucet. The mechanical valve includes a valve channelconfigured to move between an open and a closed position. The systemincludes a switch configured to detect the position of the valvechannel. The system further includes a ring located around themechanical valve and configured to transfer motion of the valve channelto the switch. The system further includes an annunciator (e.g., an LED,LCD, audio, etc.) configured to indicate to a user the status of themechanical valve position to a user and/or to an electronics system ofthe faucet.

Referring generally to the figures, an exemplary embodiment may relateto a manually-operated lifter configured to displace a sealing elementoff of a sealing surface by manual action in a faucet including asolenoid valve. In a touchless actuation system of a faucet, a sensorand an electronic valve, shown as a solenoid-operated valve, allow auser to pause a flow of water from the faucet spout by interrupting thesensor's field of detection. Flow will resume when the plane is broken asecond time. In the event of a power failure, the solenoid-operatedvalve will default to a closed position, and the faucet will be renderedinoperable until power is resumed. The lifter allows a user to operatethe faucet by manually moving the solenoid-operated valve from theclosed position to an open position.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).Accordingly, faucets having some or all of the features described above,or any combination or subcombination of the components and featuresdescribed below, are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

Referring to the figures more particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 1, anexemplary embodiment of a faucet 10 may include a faucet spout 1, afaucet body 2, a handle 3, a base 4 for mounting upon a surface (notshown), and an electronic valve system 5 configured to pause (e.g.,interrupt, inhibit, prevent, stop, etc.) and resume (e.g., permit,allow, etc.) a flow of fluid (e.g., water). The faucet spout 1 has afirst or outlet end 7, which defines an outlet 8 through which a fluidexits the faucet 10. The faucet spout 1 further includes a second orinlet end 9 at which the faucet spout 1 is coupled to the faucet body 2.In the exemplary embodiment, the handle 3 is operably coupled to acontrol stem 6 of a mechanical valve 410 (see, e.g., FIG. 10) that isfluidly coupled to the electronic valve system 5. The faucet body 2 mayinclude a protruded portion 2A disposed approximately perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the faucet body 2. The protruded portion 2A isshown to support the mechanical valve 410 and the handle 3 via thecontrol stem 6.

The handle 3 is configured to at least partially control operation ofthe faucet 10. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the handle 3may be coupled, via the control stem 6, to a mechanical valve 410, whichcontrols the flow of fluid from a fluid source to the electronic valvesystem 5. The mechanical valve 410, in response to manipulation of thehandle 3, may mix incoming hot and cold fluids to output a fluid havinga desired temperature. The mechanical valve 410 may be located upstreamfrom the electronic valve system 5 with respect to a direction of fluidflow from a fluid source to the outlet 8. According to otherembodiments, the mechanical valve may be downstream of the electronicvalve system 5. When the handle 3 is in a first position (e.g.,indicated by the solid line), the handle 3 is in a “non-operational”mode and fluid does not flow from the faucet spout 1. When the handle 3is in a second position (e.g., indicated by the broken line), the handle3 is in an “operational” mode and fluid flows through the mechanicalvalve to the electronic valve system 5 and, if the electronic valve 100,200 is open and fluid is supplied to the faucet, then fluid flows fromthe outlet 8 of the faucet spout 1. In an exemplary embodiment, themechanical valve 410 is disposed within the protruded portion 2A of thefaucet body 2. In other embodiments, the mechanical valve 410 may bedisposed in different locations, corresponding to the location of thehandle 3.

Although in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the handle 3 ismounted on a side of the faucet body 2, the handle 3 may be located inother positions, for example, on an opposite side of the faucet body 2or along the surface (not illustrated) upon which the base 4 is mounted.This surface may be any surface including, but not limited to, a sink, abathtub, shower wall, countertop, cabinet, appliance, etc. In anembodiment in which the handle 3 is located on the opposite side of thefaucet body 2, the protruded portion 2A will also be located on theopposite side of the faucet body 2. In embodiments in which the handle 3is located along the surface upon which the base 4 is mounted, or thehandle 3 is mounted elsewhere on the faucet 10, the protruded portion 2Amay be eliminated.

The electronic valve system 5 may pause and/or resume the flow of fluidin response to an open or a closed configuration of an electronic valve(e.g., electronically controlled valve, electromechanical valve,solenoid operated valve, etc.), shown as electronic valves 100, 200 (seeFIGS. 28 and 29). According to the exemplary embodiment shown, theelectronic valves 100, 200 include a solenoid. The electronic valvesystem 5 may also include any commercially available electronic valveand a sensor 20 disposed completely within, partially within orcompletely outside of the faucet spout 1 or faucet body 2. Theelectronic valve system 5 is in communication with the electronic valve100, 200 and the sensor 20. In a preferred embodiment, the electronicvalve is a normally closed solenoid such that in the event of a powerfailure the electronic valve closes and stops fluid flow. According toanother embodiment, the electronic valve is a latching solenoid, whichis held in an open or closed position by a magnet, and power is onlyrequired to switch between the open and closed positions. A latchingsolenoid requires less power to operate and, therefore, may be useful,for example, in a battery-operated electronic valve.

When the handle 3 is in the operational mode, a position of theelectronic valve 100, 200 may pause or resume the flow of the fluid fromthe faucet spout 1. Specifically, when the electronic valve 100, 200 isin an open position, the fluid continues to flow from the faucet spout 1when the handle 3 is in the operational mode. When the electronic valve100, 200 is in a closed position, a flow of the fluid from the faucetspout 1 is paused, even if the handle 3 is in the operational mode. Theopen and closed positions of the electronic valve 100, 200 will bediscussed in further detail below. When the handle 3 is in thenon-operational mode, the fluid will not flow from the faucet spout 1regardless of the position of the electronic valve 100, 200.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 19-25 and 28-30, exemplary embodiments ofelectronic valves 100, 200 are illustrated. The electronic valves 100,200 are shown to include a solenoid portion 110, 210 and a valve body120, 220. The solenoid portion 110, 210 includes, but is not limited to,a sealing element 111, 211, a sealing surface 112, 212, a solenoid coil113, 213, and a plunger 114, 214. The sealing element 111, 211 may be,for example, a diaphragm, a poppet, etc. The sealing element 111, 211may include a pilot vent hole (not illustrated) and a second vent hole(not illustrated). The valve body 120, 220 includes an inlet 121, 221and an outlet 122, 222. Other components of the solenoid portion 110,210 that may be present in the electronic valve 100, 200 may not beillustrated or may not be provided with reference numerals (e.g., aspring, gasket, an o-ring, etc.). The exemplary embodiments illustratedwill be discussed in more detail below.

In normal operation, the electronic valve 100, 200 may be in the openposition or the closed position. In an exemplary embodiment, when theelectronic valve 100, 200 is in the closed position (see, e.g., FIG.28), the solenoid coil 113, 213 does not produce a magnetic field. Inthis configuration, the pilot vent hole is blocked by the plunger 114,214, causing inlet pressure to pass through the second vent hole andpush the sealing element 111, 211 onto the sealing surface 112, 212. Inother words, the sealing element 111, 211 abuts an entire length (e.g.,an annular circumference) of the sealing surface 112, 212 preventing theflow of fluid through the electronic valve 100, 200. Because fluidcannot flow from the inlet 121, 221 of the valve body 120, 220 to theoutlet 122, 222 of the valve body 120, 220, fluid is not provided to theoutlet 8.

When the electronic valve 100, 200 is in the open position (see, e.g.,FIG. 29), the solenoid coil 113, 213 produces a magnetic field thatdraws the plunger 114, 214 towards the solenoid coil 113, 213. Whenplunger 114, 214 moves towards the solenoid coil 113, 213, a vent holeopens, allowing the sealing element 111, 211 to move away from thesealing surface 112, 212. In this configuration, pressure that washolding the sealing element 111, 211 onto the sealing surface 112, 212is reduced, allowing inlet pressure to push the sealing element 111, 211off of the sealing surface 112, 212. As a result, the sealing element111, 211 no longer abuts an entire length of the sealing surface 112,212 and fluid may flow between the sealing element 111, 211 and thesealing surface 112, 212. Because fluid can flow from the inlet 121, 221of the valve body 120, 220 to the outlet 122, 222 of the valve body 120,220, fluid may be provided to the outlet 8 of the faucet spout 1, if thehandle 3 is in the operational mode.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the faucet 10 may include an internally mountedsensor, a sensor mounted to an underside of the faucet spout 1, and/or asensor mounted proximate the apex of the faucet spout 1. Across-sectional view of the faucet 10 through the line A-A of FIG. 1 isshown according to an exemplary embodiment. The faucet spout 1 has afirst or outlet end 7 through which a fluid, for example, water, exitsthe faucet 10, and a second or inlet end 9 at which the faucet spout 1is coupled to the faucet body 2. In between the outlet end 7 and theinlet end 9, the faucet spout 1 is shown to have a seamless sidewall 11that extends along a curved longitudinal axis. The sidewall 11 definesan opening 13 along an underside of the faucet spout 1 proximate thezenith or apex of the faucet spout 1. As shown, the proximity of theopening 13 to the zenith of the underside of the faucet spout 1 causesthe opening to be substantially horizontal. As further shown, theopening 13 may be slightly towards the outlet end 7 of the spout. In theillustrated exemplary embodiment, the opening 13 is formed as a punchedopening. In alternative embodiments, the opening 13 may be machined orfabricated by any suitable method, for example, casting, cuttingdrilling, etc. The opening 13 may be covered by a transparent materialsuch as glass or plastic.

A sensor 20 may be disposed completely within the faucet spout 1 along acurved portion of the sidewall 11 between the outlet end 7 and the inletend 9 of the faucet spout 1. The sensor 20 is disposed adjacent to theopening 13 of the faucet spout 1. The sensor 20 may be any commerciallyavailable sensor of suitable size (i.e., a size capable of fittinginside of the faucet spout 1). The sensor 20 may be selected, based inpart, on factors such as a desired sensitivity, amount of power requiredto operate the sensor 20, and cost considerations. For example, thesensor 20 may be configured such that the sensor 20 only detects (e.g.,emits a signal in response to) objects within a predefined range.According to various embodiments, the range is less than 12 inches (30cm), less than 10 inches (25 cm), or less than 8 inches (20 cm).According to an exemplary embodiment, the predefined range is less than6 inches (15 cm). Reducing the sensitivity or range of the sensor allowsa detection range (see, e.g., field of detection 70, shown in FIG. 2,detection region, etc.) to be defined that does not intersect the flowof fluid from the faucet spout 1 or the work region in or around thesink, thereby reducing accidental triggering of the sensor. The sensor20 is operatively connected to the electronic valve 100, 200, e.g.,wirelessly or via a wire 21 extending from the sensor 20 to theelectronic valve system 5. In some embodiments, the sensor 20 may be areceiver, discrete from or spaced apart from an emitter (e.g.,transmitter, etc.). In other embodiments, the sensor 20 may be areceiver proximate or coupled to a transmitter. In other embodiments,the sensor 20 may be an emitter. In the exemplary embodiment shown, thesensor 20 includes both an emitter portion and a receiver portion.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, a sensor holder 30 configured to positionand retain the sensor 20 in the faucet spout 1 may be provided in thefaucet 10. The sensor holder 30 may be formed of any material including,but not limited to, plastic or metal. In a preferred embodiment, thesensor holder 30 is formed of plastic for cost considerations andcharacteristics such as moldability, durability, and corrosionresistance.

The sensor holder 30 includes a frame 31 configured to secure the sensor20. The frame 31 has a front end 31A extending toward the outlet end 7of the faucet spout 1 and a back end 31B extending toward the inlet end9 of the faucet spout 1. A raised window 32 is disposed along andthrough a bottom or underside of the frame 31. The raised window 32 isconfigured to engage the opening 13 of the faucet spout 1. As shown,when the raised window 32 is positioned in the opening 13, the sensorholder 30 is oriented in a substantially horizontal direction along alongitudinal axis of the spout proximate an apex of the spout andinhibits a horizontal motion of the sensor holder 30.

The sensor holder 30 also includes at least one leg 33 disposed at theback end 31B of the frame 31 and extending in a substantially verticaldirection (e.g., substantially transverse or substantially perpendicularto a longitudinal axis of the sensor holder 30). As illustrated in FIGS.4-6, an exemplary embodiment of the sensor holder 30 includes two legs33. In other embodiments, a different number of legs can be used, forexample, one, three, four, etc. The legs 33 are configured to keep theback end 31B of the frame 31 in either an up position (not illustrated)or a down position (see FIG. 3) to inhibit a vertical motion of thesensor holder 30 and thus, securing the sensor 20 within the sensorholder 30. When in the down position, the raised window 32 may engagewith the horizontal opening 13 in the faucet spout 1.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sensor holder 30 holds the sensor 20 inposition over the opening 13. The sensor 20 is held in a positionslightly forward (e.g., toward a user when the faucet 10 is in aninstalled position) of the apex such that a light beam emitted from thesensor 20 passes through the opening 13 in the faucet spout 1, andpropagates downward and generally rearward. Accordingly, the light beamis directed away from fluid exiting the faucet spout 1 at the outlet end7, thereby reducing the possibility of inadvertent or accidentaltriggering of the sensor 20. According to various embodiments, the lightbeam may be directed towards the faucet body 2, a portion of the deck towhich the faucet 10 is mounted in front of the faucet 10, or rear wallof the sink basin. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, a userwishing to pause or resume the flow of fluid may wave a hand or objectin a detection region under the faucet spout 1, behind the flow ofwater, thereby reflecting the beam of light back to the sensor 20. Asshown in FIG. 2, the field of detection 70 (e.g., detection zone,detection region, etc.) may be substantially defined by an underside ofthe faucet spout 1 above the outlet end 7 of the faucet spout 1.According to another embodiment, a receiver may be located remotely fromthe sensor 20, for example, on the faucet body 2 or another part of thefaucet spout 1, and a user wishing to pause or resume the flow of fluidmay wave a hand or object in a detection region under the faucet spout1, behind the flow of water, thereby blocking the beam of light fromreaching the receiver.

The sensor holder 30 further includes a forward tab 34 extending fromthe front end 31A of the frame 31. The forward tab 34 is held in placeby a corresponding tab extending from a spray insert 40. In a preferredembodiment, the forward tab 34 includes a slot 37. However, the slot 37is not required. In a preferred embodiment, the spray insert 40 includesa tab 41 (see FIGS. 7-8). The tab 41 includes a substantiallywedge-shaped protrusion 42. However, the protrusion 42 may be any othersuitable shape. The slot 37 and the protrusion 42 engage (see FIG. 3)and are configured to prevent the sensor holder 30 from beinginadvertently pushed further into and down the faucet spout 1. Avertical motion of the sensor holder 30 is inhibited by the legs 33 andthe forward tab 34. According to another embodiment, the spray insertmay include a tab and the sensor holder may include a correspondingslot.

The sensor 20 may be secured to the sensor holder 30 in a variety ofways. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor holder 30 may be overmoldedonto the sensor 20. In another exemplary embodiment, the sensor 20 mayinclude a plurality of holes 22 and the frame 31 may include a pluralityof holes (not illustrated) corresponding to a number of holes 22disposed in the sensor 20. The plurality of holes 22 disposed in thesensor 20 and the plurality of holes disposed in the frame 31 areconfigured to align. In this embodiment, the sensor 20 is secured to thesensor holder 30 via a plurality of screws 23 that connect the sensor 20and the sensor holder 30 via the plurality of holes 22 disposed in thesensor 20 and the plurality of holes disposed in the frame 31. Accordingto another embodiment, the sensor holder 30 may include a plurality ofprotrusions or bosses (not illustrated) that align with and are receivedin the plurality of holes 22, thereby retaining the sensor 20 relativeto the sensor holder 30.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the frame 31 of the sensor holder 30 mayfurther include a plurality of projections 35 configured to engage withand further secure the sensor 20 and the wire 21 to the frame 31. Inaddition, the frame 31 may include interior walls 36 having a contourcorresponding to a perimeter of an area in which the sensor 20 connectsto the wire 21.

In another embodiment, the faucet 10 does not include the sensor holder30. Instead, the sensor 20 is held in place by fasteners, for example,screws, pins, plugs, clips, “Christmas trees,” etc. For example, onefastener may be positioned at a forward or front end of the sensor 20and another fastener may be positioned rearward or aft of the sensor 20.However, due to a curvature of the faucet spout 1, it may be difficultto drill or punch holes for the screws. Specifically, an inner curve ofthe faucet spout 1 tends to prevent a typical drill or punch fromaligning perpendicularly to an inside of the inner curve of the faucetspout 1. Thus, the sensor 20 might not be held in place by screws unlessa right angle drill or a cam driven punch were utilized. Employing asensor holder 30, as described in the preferred embodiments, is intendedto eliminate these problems.

In the embodiment shown, the faucet 10 may include a detachable orpull-out spray head 60 configured to direct a spray of fluid to aspecific location. In this configuration, fluid moves through a hosepassing within the faucet spout 1 and exits the faucet 10 through thespray head 60. In such embodiments in which a spray head 60 is provided,the faucet 10 may include a wire cover 50 configured to protect the wire21 connecting the sensor 20 to the electronic valve 100, 200 fromabrasion as the hose 62 travels through the faucet spout 1 as the sprayhead 60 is pulled out from and returned to the faucet spout 1. Inaddition, the wire cover 50 protects the hose from abrasion that mayresult from contact with the sensor holder 30 and sensor 20. The wirecover 50 may include a plurality of projections 51 disposed along alength of the wire cover 50. Each projection 51 contains a recessedportion 52 configured to receive and secure to the wire 21. The forwardand rearward ends 53, 54 of the wire cover 50 are curved to provide aramp that guides the hose 62 over the wire cover 50.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the faucet 10 may further include a system fordetecting and communicating a position of a mechanical valve in afaucet. An exploded view of a system 400 for detecting and communicatingthe position of the mechanical valve 410 is shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. The system 400 includes a ring 420, a mountingsurface 430, a switch 440 (shown in FIGS. 10-14), a balancing spring450, and an adjustment screw 460. In the exemplary embodiment shown, themounting surface 430 is a circuit board. According to one embodiment,the system 400 is a subsystem of the electronic valve system 5.

Referring to briefly FIGS. 13-18, the mechanical valve 410 includes avalve channel member 411 that is radially movable between an openposition (see, e.g., FIGS. 14, 17 and 18) and a closed position (see,e.g., FIGS. 13, 15 and 16). The valve channel member 411 may have anysuitable cross-sectional shape (e.g., square, rectangle, circular, oval,polygonal, box, etc.). As shown, the valve channel member 411 has aU-shaped cross-sectional shape. As used herein, “radially movable”refers to an in-and-out motion of the valve channel member 411 betweenan exterior and an interior of the mechanical valve 410. The valvechannel member 411 is coupled to a sealing component (not illustrated)within the mechanical valve 410. The valve channel member 411 isconfigured to translate as the sealing component moves between “off” and“on” positions. In addition, the valve channel member 411 is incommunication with an exterior of the mechanical valve 410. The valvechannel member 411 may be interconnected to the control stem 6 such thatan adjustment of the temperature setting of the mechanical valve 410(e.g., via the handle 3) does not affect the position of the valvechannel member 411.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-14, the ring 420 is configured to be generallycoaxial with or disposed at least partially around the mechanical valve410. The ring 420 has an inner surface and an outer surface, with adiameter of the inner surface being smaller than a diameter of the outersurface. The switch 440 is mounted on the mounting surface 430 disposedon the inner surface of the ring 420. This configuration allows theswitch 440 to be positioned above the mechanical valve 410. Thus, fluidfrom an inadvertent leak in the mechanical valve 410 will tend (e.g., bygravity) to flow down and away from the switch 440 to avoid or minimizedamaging the switch 440.

In a preferred embodiment, approximately radially opposite from theswitch 440, the ring 420 includes a protrusion 421 configured to engagewith the balancing spring 450 and the adjustment screw 460. Therefore,when the ring 420 is placed around the mechanical valve 410, the valvechannel member 411 is oriented approximately diametrically opposite fromthe switch 440. The adjustment screw 460 is configured to engage withthe valve channel member 411 and adjust a radial position of the ring420 relative to an exterior of the mechanical valve 410. Specifically,the valve channel member 411 transfers the motion of the mechanicalvalve 410 to the adjustment screw 460, which, in turn, transfers themotion of the mechanical valve 410 to the ring 420 by adjusting theradial position of the ring 420 relative to the exterior of themechanical valve 410. The adjusting may be, for example, fine tuning theradial position of the ring 420 relative to the exterior of themechanical valve 410. The change in radial position of the ring 420causes the switch 440, mounted upon the ring 420, to open and closeaccordingly in response to the translation of the valve channel member411.

The adjustment screw 460 is also configured to allow the system 400 tocompensate for manufacturing variances. A position of the adjustmentscrew 460 can be set at the manufacturing factory and/or in the fieldafter installing the faucet 10 or service parts thereof. The balancingspring 450 allows the system 400 to compensate for a weight of the ring420 and the switch 440.

In one embodiment, the mechanical valve 410 could be rotated, forexample, 180 degrees such that the valve channel member 411 is locateddirectly beneath (e.g., 0 degrees from) the switch 440. However, thisconfiguration would reverse a motion of the control stem 6, and requiremodification of the method for adjusting the switch position, asdescribed below. In another embodiment, the mechanical valve 410 couldbe configured such that the valve channel member 411 exits the top ofthe valve to directly contact the switch 440.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown, as the mechanical valve 410moves between the closed state to the open state, the valve channelmember 411 translates, transferring the motion of the mechanical valve410 to the adjustment screw 460 and thereby, the ring 420, causing theswitch 440 to actuate (e.g., open, close, etc.) accordingly. Forexample, when the mechanical valve 410 is in the closed state, the valvechannel member 411 is in a closed position defined by an outer surfaceof the valve channel member 411 being substantially aligned with anouter surface of the mechanical valve 410 (see FIG. 13). In thisconfiguration, the valve channel member 411 pushes down on theadjustment screw 460, which in turn pushes down on the ring 420 andcompresses the balancing spring 450. Accordingly, the ring 420 forcesthe switch 440 against the body or outer surface of the mechanical valve410, thereby closing the switch 440 (e.g., closed position, first state,second state, etc.). When the mechanical valve 410 is in the open state,the valve channel member 411 is in an open position defined by the outersurface of the valve channel member 411 being depressed or recessed suchthat the outer surface of the valve channel member 411 is disposedwithin the mechanical valve 410 (see FIG. 14). In this configuration,the adjustment screw 460 follows the valve channel member 411 inresponse to the force of the balancing spring 450. The balancing spring450 pushes the ring 420 upward, away from the body or outer surface ofthe mechanical valve 410, allowing the normally open switch 440 toreturn to an open position (e.g., open switch, second state, firststate, etc.). According to another embodiment, the valve channel member411 may be extended out of the mechanical valve 410 when the valve is inthe closed state and may move inward to a position aligned with theouter surface of the mechanical valve 410 when the valve is moved to theopen state.

The position or actuation of the switch 440 causes an annunciation of anon or off state. For example, the switch 440 may send a signal directlyto an annunciator (discussed below) or to the electronic valve system 5,either wirelessly or via wire 431 (see FIGS. 9, 13, and 14), to indicatethe on or off state. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, whenthe switch 440 is in the open position, the electronic valve system 5turns on the annunciator, and when the switch 440 is in the closedposition, the electronic valve system 5 turns off the annunciator.

In another embodiment, the valve channel member 411 may be depressedinward of, or flush with, the surface of the mechanical valve 410 whenthe mechanical valve 410 is in the closed state. The valve channelmember 411 may move radially outward to a flush or proud positionrelative to the surface of the mechanical valve 410 when the mechanicalvalve 410 is in the open state. In such an embodiment, the valve channelmember 411 may push on the adjustment screw 460, in turn moving the ring420 radially relative to the mechanical valve 410, and drawing themounting surface 430 towards the mechanical valve 410, such that theswitch 440 closes against the surface of the mechanical valve 410 whenthe mechanical valve 410 is in the open state, and the switch 440 isopen when the mechanical valve 410 is in the closed state. In such anexemplary embodiment, a signal (e.g., voltage, pulse width, power, etc.)to the annunciator may be sent through the switch 440 such that when theswitch 440 is in the open position, the electronic valve system 5 doesnot complete a circuit to the annunciator, and, therefore, theannunciator is turned off. When the switch 440 is in the closedposition, the electronic valve system 5 completes the circuit to theannunciator, and, therefore, the annunciator is turned on. In otherwords, when the manual valve is in the closed state or non-operationalmode, the annunciator is turned off, but when the manual valve is in theopen state or operational mode, the annunciator is turned on.

In embodiments in which the switch 440 is adjacent or proximate theadjustment screw 460, the end of the valve channel member 411 that abutsthe adjustment screw 460 may be configured to move into or towards themechanical valve 410 when the mechanical valve moves from a closed stateto an open state. The switch 440 may then close against the body orouter surface of the mechanical valve 410, causing the annunciator toturn on. The configuration of the actuation could be reversed such thatthe end of the valve channel member 411 that abuts the adjustment screw460 may be configured to move out off or away from the mechanical valve410 when the mechanical valve moves from a closed state to an openstate. The switch 440 may be a normally open switch that then opens awayfrom the body or outer surface of the mechanical valve 410, causing theannunciator to turn on (e.g., via the electronic valve system 5,processing electronics, etc.).

According to various other embodiments, the switch 440 may be disposedon the ring 420 and mounting surface 430 such that the switch 440actuates against an inner surface of the faucet body 2 (e.g., theprotruded portion 2A). For example, the switch 440 may be disposed on anouter surface of the ring 420.

Having a switch 440 provides a low-cost, reliable, and robust indicatorof state. In another embodiment, the switch 440 may be replaced with apotentiometer or similar device capable of indicating a relativeposition of the valve channel member 411. The relative position of thevalve channel member 411 may be defined, for example, from 0% to 100%open. The position of the valve channel member 411 is correlated (e.g.,proportional to, etc.) to a flow through the mechanical valve 410 (i.e.,off, low, medium or high). In yet another embodiment, the adjustmentscrew 460 and/or the balancing spring 450 may be eliminated.

The annunciator is configured to indicate to the user, for example,whether the electronic valve system 5 is in an active mode or aninactive mode (e.g., off mode, hibernation mode, etc.) or somecombination thereof (e.g., sleep mode, etc.), whether the mechanicalvalve is in an open state or a closed state, etc. The annunciator may bea visual indicator such as a light, a single colored LED, multiplecolored LEDs (e.g., a red LED for hot fluid and a blue LED for coldfluid), an LCD, a display screen, etc. The display screen may provideinformation such as temperature, flow, date, time, etc. As illustrated,the annunciator is an LED 433. Alternatively, the annunciator may be anaudio indicator such as a beep or tone indicating activation ordeactivation of the electronic valve system 5. In addition, both avisual and an audio annunciator may be used simultaneously. Theannunciator may be incorporated onto the mounting surface 430 (i.e., thesame mounting surface as the switch 440). Alternatively, the annunciatormay be located at a different position, for example, at the base 4 or ata different position along the longitudinal axis of the faucet body 2.The position of a visual annunciator is preferably in a position to beeasily visible to a user. For example, the light from LED 433 may bevisible through a translucent cover 435.

Based on a detected closed or open state of the mechanical valve 410,the electronic valve system 5 may take actions to conserve power. Forexample, if the mechanical valve 410 is closed, the electronic valvesystem 5 may enter an off mode. In the off mode, the electronic valvesystem 5 may turn off (e.g., reduce or remove power from) theannunciator, the sensor 20, and/or the electronic valve 100, 200. Inother words, the electronic valve system 5 essentially shuts down,except for a small amount of electricity reserved to reactivate theelectronic valve system 5, for example, in response to the mechanicalvalve 410 being manipulated to the open state. If the annunciator is off(i.e., the electronic valve system 5 is in an off mode), notice isprovided to the user that the mechanical valve 410 must be opened beforethe faucet 10 will provide fluid. When the user manipulates the controlstem 6 to open the mechanical valve 410, fluid is provided to theelectronic valve 100, 200, and the electronic valve system 5 isreactivated. When the electronic valve system 5 is reactivated or in theactive mode, the electronic valve system 5 energizes (e.g., opens) theelectronic valve and provides fluid to the user. The user can then pauseor resume fluid flow as desired by triggering the sensor 20.

In contrast, if the annunciator is on (e.g., the electronic valve system5 is in active mode), notice is provided to the user that the mechanicalvalve 410 is already opened and thus, the user need only trigger thesensor 20 by engaging the sensor's field of detection 70 in order toresume fluid flow. Thus, the system 400 may detect a closed or openstate/position of the mechanical valve 410 and communicate theinformation to the electronic valve system 5 and/or the user.

A method for touchless actuation of the faucet 10 will now be discussed.As previously described, when the handle 3 is in the operational mode, aposition of the electronic valve 100, 200 may pause or resume the flowof the fluid from the faucet spout 1. Specifically, when the electronicvalve 100, 200 is in the open position, the fluid continues to flow fromthe faucet spout 1 when the handle 3 is in the operational mode. Whenthe electronic valve 100, 200 is in the closed position, a flow of thefluid from the faucet spout 1 is paused, even if the handle 3 is in theoperational mode. When the handle 3 is in the non-operational mode, thefluid will not flow from the faucet spout 1 regardless of the positionof the electronic valve 100, 200.

When the mechanical valve 410 is in the operational mode and theelectronic valve 100, 200 is in the open position, the flow of fluidfrom the faucet spout 1 may be paused by engaging or triggering thesensor 20. The sensor 20 may be triggered by using an object, forexample, a user's hand or a dish, to engage the field of detection 70 ofthe sensor 20 at a first time. In one embodiment, the sensor 20 may bean infrared sensor. When an infrared sensor is utilized, engaging thesensor's field of detection 70 refers to interrupting (e.g., blocking,etc.) or reflecting a beam of infrared light that is projected by anemitter. In other embodiments, a different type of sensor (e.g.,ultrasonic, capacitive, etc.) may be utilized. One of ordinary skill inthe art would appreciate that the sensor's field of detection may beengaged in a different manner unique to the type of sensor utilized.When the object engages the sensor's field of detection 70, the sensor20 sends a signal to the electronic valve system 5, and the electronicvalve system 5 causes the electronic valve 100, 200 to move from theopen position (see, e.g., FIG. 29) to the closed position (see, e.g.,FIG. 28).

The flow of fluid from the faucet spout 1 may be resumed by retriggeringthe sensor 20 by using an object, for example, a user's hand or a dish,to engage the field of detection 70 of the sensor 20 at a second time.When the object engages the field of detection 70 of the sensor 20, thesensor 20 sends a signal to the electronic valve system 5, and theelectronic valve system 5 causes the electronic valve 100, 200 to movefrom the closed position (see, e.g., FIG. 28) to the open position (see,e.g., FIG. 29). The object used to engage the sensor's field ofdetection the second time may be the same or different from the objectused to engage the sensor's field of detection the first time.

As previously stated, when the mechanical valve 410 is in the closedstate or the non-operational mode, the fluid will not flow from theoutlet 8 regardless of the position of the electronic valve. Thus, it isdesirable for the electronic valve system 5 to be able to detect andcommunicate a condition, either open state or closed state, of themechanical valve 410.

According to various exemplary embodiments, electronic valve system 5may include processing electronics configured to support and enable thesystem and methods such as those described in this disclosure. Referringto FIG. 31, a detailed block diagram of processing electronics 504 ofFIG. 1 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Processingelectronics 504 includes a memory 520 and processor 522. Processor 522may be or include one or more microprocessors, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit containing one or more processingcomponents, a group of distributed processing components, circuitry forsupporting a microprocessor, or other hardware configured forprocessing. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 522 isconfigured to execute computer code stored in memory 520 to complete andfacilitate the activities described herein. Memory 520 can be anyvolatile or non-volatile memory device capable of storing data orcomputer code relating to the activities described herein. For example,memory 520 is shown to include modules 524-530 which are computer codemodules (e.g., executable code, object code, source code, script code,machine code, etc.) configured for execution by processor 522. Whenexecuted by processor 522, processing electronics 504 is configured tocomplete the activities described herein. Processing electronics 504includes hardware circuitry for supporting the execution of the computercode of modules 524-530. For example, processing electronics 504includes hardware interfaces (e.g., output 550) for communicatingcontrol signals (e.g., analog, digital) from processing electronics 504to electronic valve 100, 200. Processing electronics 504 may alsoinclude an input 555 for receiving, for example, signals from sensor 20,mechanical valve detection system 400, or for receiving data or signalsfrom other systems or devices.

Memory 520 includes configuration data 524. Configuration data 524includes data relating to the electronic valve system 5. For example,configuration data 524 may include solenoid data which may be used bythe electronic valve control module 526 to control the operation of theelectronic valve 100, 200. For example, configuration data 524 mayinclude sensor data which may be used by the sensor module 526 tocontrol the operation of the sensor 20 or to interpret signals from thesensor 20.

Memory 520 is further shown to include an electronic valve controlmodule 526, which includes logic for operating or sending signals to theelectronic valve 100, 200. For example, in an embodiment in which theelectronic valve 100, 200 includes a solenoid, the electronic valvecontrol module 526 may include logic for controlling the solenoid valve.

Memory 520 is further shown to include a sensor module 528, whichincludes logic for controlling or interpreting signals from/to thesensor 20. For example, the sensor module 528 may include logic forturning the sensor 20 on or off. For example, the sensor module 528 mayinclude logic for interpreting signals received by the sensor 20 (e.g.,distinguishing signal from noise, etc.). For example, the sensor module528 may include logic for controlling or generating signals (e.g.,infrared beam, ultrasonic waves, etc.) emitted by the sensor 20.

Memory 520 is further shown to include a faucet control module 530,which includes logic for controlling the electronic valve system 5. Forexample, the faucet control module 530 may include logic for determininga faucet state or mode based on various inputs or events (e.g., handleposition, elapsed time, interruption of the field of detection 70 of thesensor 20, etc.). For example, the faucet control module 530 may includelogic for determining and enunciating information to a user (e.g.,faucet state, water temperature, etc.).

Referring to FIGS. 32A-E, a flowchart of a process 600 for controlling afaucet (e.g., the faucet 10), is shown according to an exemplaryembodiment. Although the process 600 may be started at any point, forthe purposes of clarity, the process 600 is described as beginning atReset (step 601). At Reset, power may be initially provided to theelectronics of the faucet, for example, at initial installation or afterrecovering from a power outage. The process 600 includes the steps ofinitializing the processor and peripherals (step 602), setting theinitial state of all control lines (step 604), initializing firmwarevariables (step 606), reading the faucet state, and reestablishingfaucet as OFF or PAUSED (step 608). Reestablishing the faucet as OFF orPAUSED ensures that fluid does not flow or begin to flow through theelectronic valve 100, 200 after interruption of electrical power to thefaucet 10.

The process 600 is further shown to include the step of determiningwhether the faucet switch is ON or OFF (step 610). For example, theprocess 600 may determine whether the handle 3 is in an operational ornon-operational mode (e.g., open or closed position) based on the stateof the switch 440 of the mechanical valve detection system 400. If thefaucet switch is determined to be ON, then the sensor 20 is turned on(step 612), or kept on if the sensor 20 is already on.

Process 600 is further shown to include the step of determining whetherthe faucet state is ON or OFF (step 614). If the faucet state is OFF,then the process 600 opens the solenoid valve starts the automaticshutoff timer (step 616) and sets the faucet state to ON (step 618). Ifthe faucet state is determined to be ON (step 614), then the processproceeds directly to step 618 because the solenoid valve and theautomatic shutoff timer should have already been actuated.

Referring to FIG. 32B, the process 600 is further shown to include thestep of determining whether the field of detection has been interrupted(step 620). For example the process 600 may determine whether field ofdetection 70 has been interrupted (e.g., by a user, by an object, etc.)in response to a signal that the sensor 20 has received a beam reflectedback to it or had a beam blocked from it. If the process 600 determinesthat the field of detection has been interrupted, then the process 600proceeds to determine if the valve state is OPEN or CLOSED (step 630).If the valve state is OPEN, then the process 600 closes the solenoidvalve, stops the automatic shutoff timer (step 632), and clears anindication of field interruption detection (step 634). If the valvestate is determined to be CLOSED, then the process 600 opens thesolenoid valve, starts the automatic shutoff timer (step 636), andclears the indication of field interruption detection (step 634).According to an exemplary embodiment, interrupting the field ofdetection 70 a first time causes the electronic valve 100, 200 to closeand to stop the flow of fluid through the electronic valve 100, 200, andinterrupting the field of detection 70 a second time causes theelectronic valve 100, 200 to open and to permit the flow of fluidthrough the electronic valve 100, 200.

The process 600 is shown to further include the step of determiningwhether an automatic shutoff timer has expired (step 640). If theautomatic shutoff timer has expired and the process 600 proceeds toclose the solenoid valve, to stop the automatic shutoff timer (step 642)and to proceed to read a fluid temperature, for example, a thermistorvoltage using an analog to digital converter (step 650). If the process600 has determined that the automatic shutoff timer has not expired,then the process 600 proceeds directly to step 650. Having an automaticshutoff timer conserves resources such as water and prevents overflowingof a sink or basin by shutting off the flow of fluid after apredetermined amount of time. According to various embodiments, theautomatic shutoff timer may expire after one minute, two minutes, threeminutes, five minutes, six minutes, ten minutes, or any other suitableamount of time. According to an exemplary embodiment, the automaticshutoff timer may expire after four minutes. The expiry time of theautomatic shutoff timer may be a preconfigured feature of the electronicvalve system 5 (e.g., programmed at the factory) or a feature that isselectable and reprogrammable by an end-user.

Referring to FIGS. 32C-E, the process 600 may include steps (e.g. steps650-688) for determining the temperature of the fluid supplied to theoutlet 8 of the faucet 10 and annunciating that information to a user.Temperature information may be annunciated to the user through anannunciator (e.g., a display, an LCD, a system of one or moreindicators, color-coded LEDs, LED 433, a speaker, an electro-acoustictransducer, etc.).

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 32C and 32E, the process 600 isshown to include a subroutine for reading a thermistor voltage using ananalog to digital converter (ADC) (steps 653-659). While a thermistor isdescribed in the exemplary embodiment, according to various otherembodiments, any suitable temperature sensor (e.g., thermometer,thermocouple, thermostatic elements, etc.) may be used. The thermistormay be located anywhere that may provide the temperature of the fluid,for example, in the spout 1, the body 2, upstream of the mechanicalvalve 410, between the mechanical valve 410 and the electronic valve100, 200, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermistor islocated proximate the electronic valve 100, 200, downstream of theelectronic valve 100, 200.

The subroutine 650 is shown to include the step of settinganalog-to-digital converter “GO” bit to start analog-to-digitalconversion (step 653). Subroutine 650 is further shown to determinewhether analog-to-digital conversion has been completed (step 655). Ifanalog-to-digital conversion has not been completed then the subroutine650 dwells. As shown the subroutine 650 may include a watchdog timerreset (clear) (step 657). The analog-to-digital conversion has beencompleted, and the resulting ADC value is returned to the process 600 atstep 660 (step 659). According to one embodiment, if theanalog-to-digital conversion fails, the watchdog timer of step 657returns a value or signal to step 660 of the process 600.

Returning to FIG. 32C, process 600 is shown to determine whether thethermistor is absent (step 660). According to one embodiment, thethermistor may be determined absent if the watchdog timer of step 657indicates that the analog-to-digital conversion has failed. According toanother embodiment, the thermistor may be determined absent if theanalog-to-digital conversion returns an absurd or extreme value (e.g.,999 counts), which may indicate that the electronic valve system 5 doesnot include a thermistor. If the process 600 determines that thethermistor is absent, then the process 600 determines if the faucetstate is ON or OFF (step 662). If the faucet state is OFF, then all ofthe temperature annunciators (e.g., temperature LEDs, red and blue LEDs,etc.) are turned OFF, and the faucet state annunciator (e.g., a whiteLED, and on/off LED, etc.) is turned OFF (step 664). If the faucet stateis ON, then all of the temperature annunciators (e.g., temperature LEDs,red and blue LEDs, etc.) are turned OFF, and the faucet stateannunciator (e.g., a white LED, and on/off LED, etc.) is turned ON (step666). Referring to steps 610-618, and foreshadowing step 690, the faucetstate indicates whether the faucet switch (e.g., switch 440), and,therefore, the valve stem 6 and handle 3, are in an open or closedposition. Accordingly, the faucet state annunciator (e.g., white LED,LED 433, etc.) will annunciate to a user whether a user should controlthe faucet 10 by using the handle 3 or by engaging the field ofdetection 70 of the sensor 20. After either step 664 or step 666, theprocess 600 again determines whether the faucet switch is ON or OFF(step 610).

If the process 600 determines that a thermistor is not absent (e.g.,present) (step 660), then the process determines the temperature of thefluid and annunciates the fluid temperature to a user. Such temperatureannunciation may inform a user if the fluid is cool enough to drink,warm or hot enough to wash dishes, or so hot as to provide annoyance orpain (e.g., very hot, extremely hot, etc.), etc. Exemplary temperatureranges are provided below; however, other temperatures may be selectedin other embodiments.

If the process 600 determines that thermistor is reading a “very hot”fluid temperature (step 670), then the process 600 turns off the cold(e.g., cool, tepid, etc.) annunciator (e.g., a blue LED) and the warm(e.g., neutral, mild, etc.) annunciator (e.g., a white LED), and flashesa hot annunciator (e.g., a red LED) (step 672). For example, if theprocess 600 determines that the fluid temperature exceeds apredetermined “very hot” value (e.g., 120° F., 125° F., 48° C., 50° C.,52° C., some value between 118F and 125F, some value between 48° C. and52° C., etc.), then the process annunciates the very hot fluidtemperature. According to another embodiment, the “very hot” fluidtemperature may be annunciated with its own color LED, a combination ofcolored LEDs, or the temperature may be caused to be shown on a display,etc. According to one embodiment, the rate at which the LED flashes maycorrespond or correlate to the temperature of the fluid. For example,faster flashing may annunciate a hotter fluid temperature. Then process600 proceeds to determine is the faucet switch is ON or OFF (step 610).

Referring to FIG. 32D, if the thermistor reading is not “very hot”(e.g., does not exceed the “very hot” predetermined value) then theprocess 600 determines whether the thermistor is reading a “hot” fluidtemperature (step 680). If the process 600 determines that thermistor isreading a “hot” fluid temperature, then the process 600 turns off thecold annunciator (e.g., a blue LED) and the warm annunciator (e.g., awhite LED), and steadily illuminates the hot annunciator (e.g., a redLED) (step 682). For example, if the process 600 determines that thefluid temperature exceeds a predetermined “hot” value (e.g., 95° F.,100° F., 105° F., 35° C., 40° C., 45° C., some value between 95° F. and105° F., some value between 35° C. and 45° C., etc.), then the process600 annunciates the hot fluid temperature. According to anotherembodiment, temperature may be caused to be shown on a display, etc.Process 600 then proceeds to determine if the faucet switch is ON or OFF(step 610).

If the thermistor reading is not “hot” (e.g., does not exceed the “hot”predetermined value) (step 680), then the process 600 determines whetherthe thermistor is reading a “warm” fluid temperature (step 684). If theprocess 600 determines that thermistor is reading a “warm” fluidtemperature, then the process 600 turns off the cold annunciator (e.g.,a blue LED) and the hot annunciator (e.g., a red LED), and turns on thewarm annunciator (e.g., a white LED) (step 686). For example, if theprocess 600 determines that the fluid temperature exceeds apredetermined “warm” value (e.g., 75° F., 80° F., 85° F., 24° C., 25 C,27° C., 30° C., some value between 75° F. and 85° F., some value between24° C. and 30° C., etc.), then the process 600 annunciates the warmfluid temperature. According to another embodiment, temperature may becaused to be shown on a display, etc. Process 600 then proceeds todetermine if the faucet switch is ON or OFF (step 610).

If the thermistor reading is not “warm” (e.g., does not exceed the“warm” predetermined value) (step 684), then the process 600 turns offthe warm annunciator (e.g., a white LED) and the hot annunciator (e.g.,a red LED), and turns on the cold annunciator (e.g., a blue LED) (step688). According to another embodiment, temperature may be caused to beshown on a display, etc. Process 600 then proceeds to determine if thefaucet switch is ON or OFF (step 610).

According to other embodiments, the process 600 may be configured todetermine whether the thermistor reading is in a range of values,whether the thermistor reading is less than a predetermined value,whether the thermistor reading is above a predetermined value, or somecombination thereof.

Returning to FIG. 32A, if the faucet switch is OFF (step 610), theprocess 600 closes the solenoid valve, stops the automatic shut offtimer, turns off sensor power, and sets the faucet state to OFF (step690). For example, if the process 600 detects the handle 3 is in aclosed position (e.g., via the switch 440), then the electronic valvesystem turns off components, for among other things, to conserve power.Process 600 then proceeds to read the thermistor voltage using ADC (step650). Measuring and annunciating the fluid temperature even after thetouchless or hands-free control system is turned off provides a userwith temperature information. For example, if the previous user left thecontrol handle 3 in the very hot position, the subsequent user may beforewarned of the temperature of the fluid. According to anotherembodiment, the thermistor may turn off after a period of time, afterthe fluid temperature has dropped below a predetermined value, or afterthe fluid temperature has progressed slowly downward through temperatureranges (cooled off). Accordingly, the thermistor may then be determinedas absent at step 660.

It is contemplated that other exemplary embodiments of the method mayinclude more or fewer steps. For example, according to one embodiment,after closing the solenoid valve, stopping the automatic shut off timer,turning off the sensor power, and setting the faucet state to OFF (step690, see FIG. 32A), the process may return to sensing if the faucetswitch is ON or OFF (step 610). Such an embodiment would bypass steps650-688 when the faucet handle is detected closed. Similarly, after thesolenoid valve is closed and the automatic shut off timer is stopped(step 642, see FIG. 32B), the process may return to sensing if thefaucet switch is ON or OFF (step 610). According to another embodiment,steps shown as a single step may be performed as separate steps. Forexample, closing the solenoid valve, stopping the automatic shut offtimer, turning off the sensor power, and setting the faucet state to OFF(step 690, see FIG. 32A), may be performed as two or more separate stepsor substeps.

Although the figures show a specific order of method steps, the order ofthe steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps maybe performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variationwill depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designerchoice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure.Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standardprogramming techniques with rule based logic and other logic toaccomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparisonsteps, and decision steps.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-30, the faucet 10 may further include a systemfor manually overriding the electronic valve system 5. For example, inthe event of a power failure, the electronic valve 100, 200 may defaultto a closed position, and the faucet would be rendered inoperable untilpower is resumed. A manual override system allows a user to operate thefaucet by manually actuating the electronic valve 100, 200 from theclosed position to an open position. According to the exemplaryembodiments shown, the electronic valve 100, 200 is a solenoid-operatedvalve, and a lifter is used to manually move the solenoid plunger from aclose position to an open position. While a solenoid-based electronicvalve is described with respect to the manual override system, it iscontemplated that non-solenoid electronic valves may be used with thefaucet 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-22 and 26-27, a first exemplary embodiment ofthe electronic valve 100 is provided. The electronic valve 100 includesa solenoid portion 110 and a valve body 120. The solenoid portion 110includes the components of any known, commercially available solenoidoperated valve. For example, the solenoid portion 110 includes, but isnot limited to, a sealing element 111, a sealing surface 112, a solenoidcoil 113, and a plunger 114. The sealing element 111 may be, forexample, a diaphragm, a poppet, etc. The sealing element 111 may includea pilot vent hole (not illustrated) and a second vent hole (notillustrated). Other components of the solenoid portion 110 that may bepresent in the electronic valve 100 may not be illustrated or may not beprovided with reference numerals (e.g., a spring, gasket, etc.).

The valve body 120 includes an inlet 121 and an outlet 122 through whichfluid is configured to flow through the electronic valve 100. At one endof the valve body 120, an interior of the valve body 120 includesthreads 123 configured to receive and engage with a lifter 300. Aninterior of the valve body 120 is substantially hollow in order toreceive the lifter 300. The valve body 120 may include a plurality ofholes 131, for example, two holes 131 configured to receive a pin 130.The pin 130 is configured to limit the translation of a lifter 300,thereby preventing the lifter 300 from being accidentally orunintentionally removed from the valve body 120 or from beingover-tightened and damaging the solenoid portion 110, 210. Operation ofthe lifter 300 and the pin 130 will be discussed in further detailbelow. At the other end of the valve body 120, the valve body 120 isconfigured to receive and engage with the solenoid portion 110, suchthat some components of the solenoid portion 110 may be disposed withinthe valve body 120, while other components of the solenoid portion 110may protrude from the valve body 120. Other components of the valve body120 that may be present in the electronic valve 100 may not beillustrated or may not be provided with reference numerals (e.g.,o-ring, screws, etc.).

Referring now to FIGS. 23-25, a second exemplary embodiment of theelectronic valve 200 is provided. The components and operation of theelectronic valve 200 is substantially the same as the components andoperation of the electronic valve 100, except that the electronic valve200 does not include the pin 130 and the plurality of holes 131configured to receive the pin 130 in the valve body 120. Instead, theelectronic valve 200 includes a threaded cap 230 secured to a pluralityof holes 231 disposed in the valve body 120 by a plurality of screws232. Similar to the pin 130, the threaded cap 230 is configured limitthe translation of the lifter 300, thereby preventing the lifter 300from being accidentally or unintentionally removed from the valve body220. Operation of the lifter 300 and the threaded cap 230 will bediscussed in further detail below. Same or equivalent components as thefirst exemplary embodiment of the electronic valve 100 are givenreferences numbers increased by 100 in FIGS. 23-25, which illustrate thesecond exemplary embodiment of the electronic valve 200.

Before describing the lifter 300 in detail, it should be noted that thelifter 300 of the electronic valve 100 (see, e.g., FIGS. 19-22) and thelifter 300′ of the electronic valve 200 (see, e.g., FIGS. 23-25) includesimilar elements (e.g., o-ring grooves 301, 301′, tips 310, 310′,handles 320, 320′, etc.). For clarity, the lifter 300′ and componentsthereof of the electronic valve 200 are indicated with a prime (′).However, for the purposes of this disclosure, lifter 300 may be usedspecifically to refer to the lifter 300 of the electronic valve 100, orgenerically to refer to both of the lifter 300 of the electronic valve100 and the lifter 300′ of the electronic valve 200. One of skill in theart, upon reviewing the description and figures of this disclosure willrecognize the similarities and differences of the lifter 300 and lifter300′, components thereof, and their interactions with the electronicvalve 100 and electronic valve 200, respectively. Accordingly, a lifter300 may be used in conjunction with either or both the electronic valve100 and the electronic valve 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 19, 20, 26, and 27, an exemplary embodiment ofthe lifter 300 is provided. In the exemplary embodiment, the lifter 300is a manually threaded device. In other embodiments, the lifter may bereplaced, for example, with cams or mechanical linkages. Although theexemplary embodiment of the lifter 300 is manufactured in a singlepiece, in alternative embodiments the lifter 300 may be manufactured ina plurality of pieces coupled together by any known method, for example,by an adhesive, fasteners, etc. The lifter 300 is preferably formed ofplastic. In other embodiments, the lifter 300 may be formed of anysuitable material, for example, brass, stainless steel, or ceramic. Thelifter 300 may be any color, such as a bright color to distinguish thelifter 300 from other components of the electronic valve 100, 200 or thefaucet 10. Making the handle 320 of the lifter 300 a bright color orcontrasting color to the rest of the electronic valve 100, 200, may drawa user's attention to the handle 320, facilitating location andidentification in low-light conditions (e.g., under a countertop, in acabinet, or during a power outage). In addition, the lifter may betransparent, translucent or opaque.

The lifter 300 includes a first section 300A configured to be receivedby and engaged with the valve body 120, 220 and a second section 300Bconfigured to be exposed from the end of the valve body 120, 220 that isnot engaged with the solenoid portion 110, 210. The lifter 300 includesan o-ring groove 301 and threads 303. The o-ring groove 301 isconfigured to receive and engage with an o-ring 134, 234 (see FIGS. 19and 23) to seal the lifter 300 in the valve body 120, 220 to prevent theelectronic valve 100, 200 from leaking. In one embodiment, threads 303are configured to engage with threads 123 on the interior surface of thevalve body 120. In another embodiment, threads 303′ are configured toengage with threads 223 of the threaded cap 230. The threaded cap 230will be described in further detail below. In the electronic valve 100,the first section 300A is defined at one end by a tip 310 and at theother end by a recess 304, adjacent to the threads 303 and configured toengage with the pin 130. The second section 300B of the lifter 300 isdefined at one end by either the recess 304 or the threads 303,respectively, and at the other end by a handle 320.

The handle 320 of the second section 300B of the lifter 300 is shaped tofacilitate easy manual operation. In a preferred embodiment, the handle320 is formed of two flat, parallel surfaces with a space in between thetwo surfaces. Thus, the user can manually operate the lifter 300 byplacing two fingers, one on each surface, on the flat parallel surfacesof the handle 320 and rotating the lifter 300 in a desired direction.Alternatively, the user can manually operate the lifter 300 by placing aflat-head screwdriver or other flat, lever-type device within the spacebetween the parallel surfaces and rotating the screwdriver or lever-typedevice in the desired direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 25-30, the tip 310 of the first section300A is formed at an opposite end of the lifter 300 than the handle 320.The tip 310 is configured to engage with the sealing element 111, 211.Operation of the tip 310 will be discussed in further detail below.

In an embodiment of the electronic valve 100, when the lifter 300 is notin use (hereafter “normal operation”), the lifter 300 is inserted intothe hollow portion of the valve body 120 and the threads 303 of thelifter 300 are threaded or partially threaded to the threads 123 of thevalve body 120. As used herein, “partially threaded” refers to aposition in which some, but not all, of the threads 303 are engaged withthe threads 123. In other words, the lifter 300 may be further threadedto engage more of the threads between the lifter 300 and the valve body120. The pin 130 is inserted through the holes 131 disposed in the valvebody 120. The pin 130 rests within the recess 304 of the lifter 300. Thepin 130 interacts with surface ends (e.g., shoulders, ledges, etc.)defining the recess 304 to stop or limit translation of the lifter 300.That is, the pin 130 prevents over-tightening of the lifter 300 andprevents unintentional removal of the lifter 300.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 25, during normal operation of theelectronic valve 200, the threaded cap 230 is placed over the lifter300′ until the threaded cap 230 abuts an exterior of the valve body 220.In this configuration, the threaded cap 230 and the lifter 300′ arecoaxial. Holes disposed in the threaded cap 230 are aligned with theholes 231 disposed in the valve body 220 and secured by the screws 232.The threads 303′ of the lifter 300′ are threaded or partially threadedto the threads 223 of the threaded cap 230. The threaded cap 230prevents unintentional removal of the lifter 300′. A step 224 (e.g.,shoulder, ledge, etc.) in the valve body 220 prevents over-tightening ofthe lifter 300′ and damage to the solenoid portion 210.

During normal operation, the tip 310 does not engage with the sealingelement 111, 211 as the lifter 300 is not completely threaded, and thus,not completely inserted into the hollow portion of the valve body 120,220 (see FIGS. 28 and 29).

In normal operation, the electronic valve 100, 200 may be in the openposition or the closed position. When the electronic valve 100, 200 isin the closed position (see, e.g., FIG. 28), the solenoid coil 113, 213does not produce a magnetic field. In this configuration, the pilot venthole is blocked by the plunger 114, 214, causing inlet pressure to passthrough the second vent hole and push the sealing element 111, 211 ontothe sealing surface 112, 212. In other words, the sealing element 111,211 abuts an entire length (e.g., an annular circumference) of thesealing surface 112, 212 preventing the flow of fluid through theelectronic valve 100, 200. Because fluid cannot flow from the inlet 121,221 of the valve body 120, 220 to the outlet 122, 222 of the valve body120, 220, fluid is not provided to the faucet spout 1.

When the electronic valve 100, 200 is in the open position (see, e.g.,FIG. 29), the solenoid coil 113, 213 produces a magnetic field thatdraws the plunger 114, 214 towards the solenoid coil 113, 213. Whenplunger 114, 214 moves towards the solenoid coil 113, 213, the plunger114, 214 opens the pilot vent hole in the sealing element 111, 211. Inthis configuration, pressure that was holding the sealing element 111,211 onto the sealing surface 112, 212 is reduced, allowing inletpressure to push the sealing element 111, 211 off of the sealing surface112, 212. As a result, the sealing element 111, 211 no longer abuts anentire length of the sealing surface 112, 212 and fluid may flow betweenthe sealing element 111, 211 and the sealing surface 112, 212. Becausefluid can flow from the inlet 121, 221 of the valve body 120, 220 to theoutlet 122, 222 of the valve body 120, 220 fluid is provided to thefaucet spout 1 if the handle 3 is in the operational mode.

If the electronic valve 100, 200 is in the open position and the handle3 is in operational mode, fluid can flow through the valve body 120, 220from the inlet 121, 221 to the outlet 122, 222 despite the lifter 300being inserted into the valve body. This is because in an exemplaryembodiment, the lifter 300 has a cross-shaped cross-section defined by aplurality of passages 302 that extend along a length of the lifter 300in at least the first section 300A (see FIGS. 21 and 26). In otherembodiments, the lifter 300 may have other shaped cross-sections,provided that the lifter 300 contains one or more passages that allowfor fluid flow.

In the event that power failure renders the electronic valve 100, 200inoperable, the lifter 300 may be rotated clockwise to place the lifter300 in “override operation”. As the lifter 300 is rotated clockwise, thethreads 303 advance the lifter 300 into the valve body 120, 220. Duringoverride operation (see, e.g., FIG. 30), the lifter 300 is fullyinserted/threaded into the valve body 120, 220 such that the tip 310engages with the sealing element 111, 211 and pushes the sealing element111, 211. When the sealing element 111, 211 is pushed, the sealingelement 111, 211 is lifted from the sealing surface 112, 212 and fluidmay flow from the inlet 121, 221 to the outlet 122, 222 of the valvebody 120, 220 through passages 302 of the lifter 300. When power isrestored, the lifter 300 may be rotated counterclockwise to disengagethe tip 310 from the sealing element 111, 211 and place the lifter 300in normal operation.

Although the description of the embodiments provided herein utilizes thelifter in the context of a solenoid operated valve located in a faucet,one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the lifter may beutilized to manually override a solenoid operated valve located in anyother device. Therefore, operation of the lifter is not limited to usein faucets.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,”and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation ofvarious elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientationof various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thefaucets, sensors and sensor holders as shown and/or described in thevarious exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a fewembodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Forexample, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any processor method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissionsmay also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement ofthe various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for manually overriding a solenoidoperated valve in an event of power failure, comprising: a solenoidoperated valve, the solenoid operated valve comprising: a valve bodyincluding a sealing surface, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a sealingelement selectively separating the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet; asolenoid configured to selectively couple and decouple the sealingelement to the sealing surface; and a lifter threadedly coupled to thesolenoid operated valve, wherein rotation of the lifter relative to thevalve body in a first direction causes the lifter to decouple thesealing element from the sealing surface.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the lifter is manually operated.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the lifter and the valve body are coaxial about a single sharedaxis, and the lifter is rotated about the single shared axis.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein rotation of the lifter relative to the valvebody in a second direction causes the lifter to retract such that thesealing element and the sealing surface are recoupled if the solenoid isnot energized.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a threadedcap, the threaded cap abutting an exterior surface of the valve body andbeing secured by a plurality of screws, wherein the threaded cap limitstranslation of the lifter.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the lifteris threadedly coupled to the threaded cap.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the lifter is threadedly coupled to the valve body.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a pin inserted into a plurality ofholes disposed within the valve body such that the pin rests in a recessof the lifter, wherein the pin limits translation of the lifter.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the lifter comprises a tip formed at one endof the lifter and a handle formed at an other end of the lifter, whereinthe tip is configured to engage with the sealing element, and whereinthe handle is configured to facilitate manual actuation of the lifter.10. A lifter for manually overriding a solenoid operated valve in anevent of power failure, comprising: a tip formed at one end of thelifter, the tip configured to engage with a sealing element of thesolenoid operated valve; a handle formed at an other end of the lifter,the handle configured to facilitate manual actuation of the lifter; andthreads provided to threadedly couple the lifter to the solenoidoperated valve.
 11. The lifter of claim 10, wherein the lifter ismanufactured from plastic.
 12. The lifter of claim 10, wherein thelifter is a bright color that can be distinguished from other componentsof the electronic solenoid-operated valve.
 13. The lifter of claim 10,further comprising a plurality of passages along a length of the lifter,the plurality of passages configured to allow fluid flow around thelifter.
 14. A method of providing a solenoid operated valve with manualoverride capability in an event of power failure, the solenoid operatedvalve including a solenoid configured to selectively couple and decouplea sealing element to a sealing surface, the method comprising: providinga valve body comprising the sealing surface, a fluid inlet and a fluidoutlet, the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet selectively separated bythe sealing element; providing a lifter configured to be inserted intothe valve body, the lifter being capable of rotating relative to thevalve body in a first direction such that the lifter is threadedlycoupled to the solenoid operated valve, and the lifter also beingcapable of advancing into the valve body, by threading, such that thelifter engages with the sealing element, causing the sealing element todecouple from the sealing surface.
 15. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising rotating the lifter relative to the valve body in a seconddirection such that the lifter retracts and disengages from the sealingelement, causing the sealing element to recouple to the sealing surface.16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: abutting a threaded capconfigured to secure a position of the lifter; and securing the threadedcap by a plurality of screws, wherein the threaded cap limitstranslation of the lifter.
 17. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising inserting a pin configured to secure a position of the lifterand prevent a user from over-threading the lifter into a hole disposedwithin the valve body such that the pin rests in a recess of the lifter,wherein the pin limits translation of the lifter.
 18. The method ofclaim 14, wherein rotating the lifter comprises a user manually turningthe lifter by the user's hand.
 19. The method of claim 14, whereinrotating the lifter comprises a user manually turning the lifter by alever-type device.